2014 Atlanta Falcons Potential Draft Pick Profile: DE/OLB Michael Sam

As the reigning SEC defensive player of the year, you would expect Michael Sam to be on every NFL teams’ radar—especially a team needing pass rush like the Falcons do. However, he doesn’t show the traits that will make him productive as a pro as a starter.

Sam is an extremely experienced defensive end from the power conference in college football. He’s seen a ton of NFL ready talent throughout his four years at Missouri and produced well against it. Sam has a motor that never dies and is able to attack from either outside linebacker or defensive end.

He’s quick off the ball and understands proper snap anticipation. He does well shooting gaps. He’s also able to maintain proper leverage so that he can convert speed to power. He’s also excellent with his angles in run defense and doesn’t over pursue.

Weaknesses

Despite being a solid all-around linebacker and end, Sam doesn’t have certain traits needed to succeed at the NFL level. He’s undersized and doesn’t have the requisite speed to make up for his lack of size and strength.

His hips are very stiff and he doesn’t look like he’s great in coverage. Most of his production comes from his high motor rather than being blessed with elite physical tools. He’s a cerebral player but will amount to nothing more than a special teams contributor in the NFL.

Off the field, Sam is everything any coach would ever want in a player. He has a great work ethic and drives others on his team to be the best they can be. On top of that, he was a captain for the Tigers in his junior and senior seasons.

The Hitchcock, Texas native showed that he’s more than willing to take a lesser role if it will allow his teammates to shine, as he was the third defensive end the majority of the season. Despite the reserve role, he never complained and was always seen as the voice of the Tiger defense.

Overview

Sam is a talented all-around player who is worthy of a draft selection, but it’s tough to project him in either the 3-4 or the 4-3. He would likely have to be part of a rotation in a multiple front defense. He just isn’t a dynamic enough athlete that offenses will have to account for him. Technically, he’s sound, but there are just too many size, speed and scheme-fit questions to make spending a pick on him in the first two days a sensible decision.

How he would fit into the Falcons' plans

If the Falcons were to bring in Sam, it would likely in a rotational role for which he'd have to compete with guys like Stansly Maponga. It's unlikely that Sam would see the field much as a rookie.

On top of that, Sam would have to compete for playing time on special teams. A special teams contributor could be his best role long term, as he has Ike Reese-level potential as a special teams player. But he still would have to show it on the field to even make a roster.